FAQs

How effective is fully breast feeding with regards to contraception?

Answer

When correctly used, breast feeding is 98% effective as a contraceptive. For this protection, three conditions must be met:

• It has been less then six months since the birth
• Menstrual periods have not recommenced since the baby's birth
• The baby is not being fed any supplements (still drinking breast milk alone).

As soon as one of these conditions changes, the method cannot be relied upon. The woman then needs to use another method of contraception if she wishes to prevent pregnancy.